Written by: Badr Ahmed

The Chief of Staff of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Santino Deng Wol, directed government forces deployed in Jonglei State not to launch any attacks on the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition forces, calling for strict adherence to the existing ceasefire and not resorting to the use of force except in cases of self-defense.

These directives came during an inspection visit by the Chief of Staff to a military base in Ayod County, Jonglei State, amid continuing security and political challenges related to the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement in the country, which aims to end years of conflict and promote national stability.

The armed forces affirm their commitment to the ceasefire and avoiding confrontation.

Lieutenant General Santino Deng Wol affirmed that the peace agreement signed between the southern parties remains valid and binding on all sides, emphasizing that the armed forces prioritize protecting this agreement and supporting its implementation as the fundamental framework for achieving security and stability in South Sudan. He added that the military institution fully supports the political process agreed upon between the government and the opposition.

The Chief of Staff indicated that the first phase of the integration and training of the unified forces has been completed, explaining that units from these forces have been deployed in several regions, including Bahr el Ghazal, Upper Nile, and Equatoria, in a move aimed at strengthening security arrangements and building a unified national army. He also affirmed that work is ongoing to complete the remaining phases of integration, despite the logistical and political challenges involved.

In a related context, Santino Deng Wol addressed a message to the armed groups not included in the second phase of the unified forces arrangements, calling on them to hand over their weapons and engage in civilian life, warning that anyone who retains weapons outside the legal frameworks will be treated as an offender.

The Chief of Staff stressed that dialogue and political understanding must remain the primary option for resolving disputes, emphasizing that military confrontations cannot provide a sustainable solution to national crises. He concluded his remarks with a clear call for all government forces to exercise restraint and refrain from any offensive operations against opposition forces, affirming that the country remains committed to the existing peace agreement and that the use of force should be limited to self-defense only.

These statements come at a time when local and regional calls are escalating to accelerate the implementation of the agreed security arrangements and to complete the terms of the peace agreement in order to prevent the country from returning to a cycle of armed violence.